The Chicago Tribune has hired Scott Stantis as its new staff editorial cartoonist, filling the vacancy left by the death of Jeff MacNelly in 2000.

The Tribune's hiring of Stantis reflects the paper's renewed commitment to return to its roots as a "crusading newspaper," which it believes readers want and will lead to increased profitability.

Stantis, staff editorial cartoonist for The Birmingham (AL) News and the creator of the syndicated comic strip "Prickly City," is a member and former President of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC).

Stantis said: "The Chicago Tribune is bullish about the future of newspapers, and so am I. The Tribune believes that editorial cartooning is an integral part of that future, and I am therefore thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity."

AAEC President Ted Rall said: "Competing with the Internet requires newspapers to showcase their editorial pages and to use edgier, more graphic content. Editorial cartoons are a vital part of that formula, especially the local- and state-issue cartoons that only a staff editorial cartoonist can provide."

Rall added: "The Tribune's decision is notable since Scott Stantis is respected by his peers as a thoughtful, edgy and daring cartoonist."

The Birmingham News has said that it intends to fill the vacancy left by Stantis.